On an almost daily basis we hear stories of female sexual harassment and abuse in the media. Sadly, male sexual abuse is fairly common, but the issue is underreported by the media and society in general.
One US-based study found that 1 in 6 boys experience some form of sexual abuse by the age of 18. Other research suggests the ratio may be as high as 1 in 4.
This is a crime under-reported.
Often, men are embarrassed to be the victim of sexual abuse, particularly when it is perpetrated by another man. In our culture, men are supposed to be invulnerable and not feel emotional pain. In other words, guys are supposed to be the strong, silent type. It simply goes against the silent rules of being a man to acknowledge trauma and admit that you are suffering.
As a result, male victims of sexual abuse shove their feelings down and deny what happened. This repression of experience and emotion can and often does lead to isolation, anger, sadness, shame, guilt, and fear. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), major depression, anxiety, and substance abuse are also common among victims of male sexual abuse.
It’s important to get help.
If you are the victim of sexual abuse, understand that you are far from alone. It is not your fault that the abuse occurred; only the abuser is to blame. Education regarding male sexual abuse and demystifying misconceptions surrounding rape is essential to help male survivors heal and speak out.
What Can Society Do?
More needs to be done to educate society and, it is important that individual survivors seek support. An experienced therapist will be able to help you address the complex emotions and offer evidence-basedstrategies to move through and past feelings of depression and anxiety.
In time, healing can and does occur.
What can I do?
If you or someone you know is a male victim of sexual abuse and would like to discuss treatment options, please contact us. We would be more than happy to discuss how we may be able to help.
